Tom Kennedy took the lead in remodeling the place to make it a store. He donated time, money, materials and construction workers and in no time the store took shape.  Billy O'Sullivan donated money to purchase shelves and other materials.  Eileen Kennedy has been the thrift shop manager. She never did a thrift shop before so she did not know how to run the shop; but for a person without experience she has done a great job!  Along with her, all the volunteers have been learning by trial and error. 
       On opening day, the place look so bright, beautiful and the smell of new wood and materials attracted many customers that have remained loyal from its inception until now.   Lately, we are attracting a large number of customers from diverse backgrounds.  At the shop, we have the opportunity to reach out to the community and to learn about their language, culture and their needs. 
       People who purchase clothes, furniture and other items not only get a bargain; but their funds help poor people in their country of origin.  Their hard earned dollars help needy people in Peru, Costa Rica, Honduras and other countries. 
       Eileen and her volunteers accept and sort out donations, set up displays and work with customers.  It has been a labor of love and has helped HOPe members to work as a team for a common cause. Eileen and Sally work very hard on displays and use every inch of available space to display the clothes and other items.  They take donated clothes home to wash and press and occasionally to the cleaners.  The shop is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  
     The prices are very reasonable.  Day laborers come to the store looking for working boots, coats and other clothing.  They tell us that "the store is a blessing to them because they cannot afford to pay regular store prices."  This validates HOPe's mission to help the poorest of the poor in other countries as well as people in our own backyard.
       On behalf of Eileen Kennedy, we thank all the volunteers and donors that have contributed to make HOPe's Charity Thrift Shop a success